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    • Members of Congress react after Trump taps Matt Gaetz as attorney general
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    Members of Congress react after Trump taps Matt Gaetz as attorney general

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    Topline

    President-elect Donald Trump nominated former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., as attorney general on Wednesday, receiving mixed reactions from senators and representatives about his latest choice in a series of appointments to his Cabinet and staff this week.

    Key facts

    Trump called Gaetz a “champion of the Constitution and the rule of law” and said in a Truth Social post that the congressman would “end the gun-toting government” as attorney general, a position that requires Senate confirmation.

    Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, one of the Senate’s highest-ranking members and seen as a moderate, said she does not consider Trump’s choice “a serious nomination for attorney general,” according to The Washington Post.

    Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, was “shocked” by the nomination and told NBC News she is confident there will be several questions during Gaetz’s confirmation hearing, including inquiries into the House Ethics Committee’s investigation into the congressman about alleged sexual misconduct and illegal practices. drug use.

    Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, stuck to his response to Gaetz’s nomination letter, according to HuffPost, asking, “Are you displacing me?”

    Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y., said the “act of governance is a serious matter” and called Gaetz not serious, while Rep. Mike Quigley, D-Ill., called Gaetz “dangerously underqualified,” and said he will use the role to “Hide from his own legal troubles, disgrace the rule of law and do Trump’s bidding.”

    After Gaetz’s appointment, Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., satirically asked, “What’s next, George Santos as FBI director?” referring to disgraced former Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., who pleaded guilty this summer to wire fraud and identity theft.

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    In return for

    Some Republicans praised and defended Trump’s nomination of Gaetz. Asked whether he thinks Gaetz will be confirmed by the Senate, Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., suggested to reporters that Gaetz “doesn’t need that” because there will be a recess appointment — an appointment made directly by the president made while the Senate is in recess, although recess appointees cannot serve for more than two years. Gaetz also received support from Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., the former of whom threatened GOP senators who might vote against Gaetz, telling Fox Business: “we’re going to try to get you out of the Senate if you try.”

    Important background

    Gaetz, a staunch Trump supporter and right-wing rabble-rouser, was one of the most controversial figures in Congress. The Justice Department investigated the 42-year-old former representative over allegations of sexual misconduct with teenage girls that he denied. The DOJ declined to prosecute Gaetz, who became the subject of a sexual misconduct investigation by the House Ethics Committee, which is also investigating allegations that Gaetz engaged in illegal drug use, accepted inappropriate gifts and gave special privileges to friends. The former congressman has denied all allegations against him. Gaetz is one of several Cabinet picks Trump has made in the past week, joining figures like former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who was chosen as director of national intelligence, and Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., who was nominated as secretary of state.

    Tangent

    Gaetz led the ultimately successful effort last year to oust former Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., as speaker of the House of Representatives by filing a motion to vacate. It was the first time in history that a Speaker of the House of Representatives was removed from office while in office. The move came months after Gaetz was among a handful of Republicans who opposed McCarthy’s election as House speaker, delaying a process that is usually a formality to 15 ballots — making it the House’s most drawn-out election. Delegates in more than 160 years.

    Read more

    Trump’s Cabinet: Here Are His Picks for Key Roles: Matt Gaetz, Tulsi Gabbard, Marco Rubio and More (Forbes)

    Matt Gaetz under new ethics committee investigation for obstruction and favors to friends (Forbes)

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